The holidays were cheerier for more than 100 Ewa keiki and a surprise for their parents, thanks to the Child & Family Service (CFS) Ewa Penny Sale held today at the CFS Ewa Family Center on Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach.

The CFS Penny Sale allowed youngsters from the Leeward community to select and purchase their own handpicked gift for their parent or guardian for a penny.

Children were walked around the CFS Community Center by more than 60 CFS volunteer staff and CFS Guild members who also helped the keiki to decorate their wrapping paper and add a gift card.

Santa was also on hand to make the day extra special for the keiki and their families.

“The idea for the Penny Sale originated as a way to help families to experience the joy of the holidays together,” said Karen Tan, CFS President and CEO. “The children take great pride in choosing their own gifts for their parent or guardian, and it’s also a great time for families in the community to come together to make new friends and appreciate family time together.”

Gift items included donations from the CFS Guild, the Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust,the community as well as a partnership with CVS / Longs Drugs that provides the CFS Ewa Family Center year-round with store brand items like personal care products that are scheduled to be removed from shelves at twelve stores at Oahu stores. The goods are distributed to families in need through the CFS Family Center.